Head Chef - High-Volume Events & Banqueting

Chartwells Independent; Park Central; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

23 days annual leave

Birthday off

Meals on duty

Pension

Mental health support

Job summary

Levy UK & Ireland is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at NEC Exhibitions, Birmingham. You will head a busy kitchen, deliver exceptional food across exhibitions, conferences and banqueting, and manage a large kitchen brigade with a focus on quality, safety and cost control.

Join a dynamic team dedicated to guest experience, sustainability, and continuous menu development, working evenings and event-driven schedules in a high-profile venue.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior culinary leader in hospitality or live event environments.
• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen operations.
• Experience delivering food for exhibitions, conferences, banqueting, hospitality or large-scale events.
• Strong leadership with ability to coach and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Excellent culinary skills with passion for quality food.
• Understanding of food cost, waste, stock control and labour planning.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of your kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Lead, motivate and develop a talented kitchen brigade, creating a positive culture where people can thrive.
• Deliver exceptional food across exhibitions, conferences, banqueting, hospitality and live events.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and wider culinary team to bring Levy menus and concepts to life.
• Plan and organise food production to meet the demands of high-volume event days.
• Ensure the kitchen is fully prepared, resourced and operationally ready for each event.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Events and Front of House teams to deliver seamless service.
• Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and HACCP compliance.
• Take ownership of food cost, waste management, stock control and labour within your kitchen.
• Support menu development and bring creativity and new ideas to the food offer.
• Adapt quickly to changing event requirements and last-minute requests.
• Coach and develop chefs at all levels, supporting their progression and career development.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new kitchen team members.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and the overall guest experience.
• Lead by example during busy services and remain calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Champion Levy's commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing

Skills

Leadership

High-volume kitchen

Food safety awareness

Guest experience focus

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Job description

Levy UK & Ireland is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary operation at NEC Exhibitions, Birmingham. You will head a busy kitchen, deliver exceptional food across exhibitions, conferences and banqueting, and manage a large kitchen brigade with a focus on quality, safety and cost control.

Join a dynamic team dedicated to guest experience, sustainability, and continuous menu development, working evenings and event-driven schedules in a high-profile venue.